State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Bachelor of Science in Forest Ecosystem Science
Syracuse, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
12 Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 10,015 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* maximum total tuition for 12 credit hours or more
Key Summary
Students in the Forest Ecosystem Science program are drawn to natural and managed forest environments with a blend of curiosity and a sense of responsibility. They seek both to understand forest ecosystems and apply their knowledge to sustain forests and their benefits for future generations.
Hands-on discovery in vast outdoor living classrooms
Learn from the land on 25,000 acres of ESF forests and field stations where research and teaching have worked hand-in-hand for over a century.
Grow your expertise based on your interests
Core coursework prepares students to flexibly pursue their interests in their advanced courses, whether that means branching out to see the big picture or digging deep into specializations with a minor.
Gain research and professional experience
FES seniors design and carry out a year-long, faculty-mentored research effort to gain experience and build skills while contributing to forest science and stewardship. FES students often hold seasonal field positions and internships with state/federal agencies, non-profits, research universities and industry.
Access a breadth of career options
FES graduates are equally well-prepared to launch into professional careers in biological sciences, forestry (accredited by the Society of American Foresters), environmental consulting and related fields, or to continue their research careers in graduate school (MSc, Ph.D.).
A strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics in year one is followed by field-intensive courses in tree biology, forest ecology, soils, silviculture, forest measurements, statistics and geospatial sciences (GIS) in years two and three. The rest of the curriculum consists of directed electives (most upper level coursework at ESF is eligible) and a two-semester senior capstone project. FES is the only undergraduate degree at ESF that integrates a full year of independent research into its program.
All FES students participate in the SRM Summer Program at ESF’s Ranger School in the Adirondack Mountains, typically between their second and third years. This four-week, field-intensive session runs from late May into late June.
Lower Division Required Courses
- Survey Of Calculus & Applications I
- Introduction/Probability & Statistics
- General Bio I: Organismal Biology & Ecology
- General Biology I Laboratory
- General Biology II: Cell Biology & Genetics
- General Biology II Laboratory
- Information Literacy
- Writing And The Environment
- Research Writing & Humanities
- General Chemistry I
- General Chemistry I Laboratory
- General Chemistry II
- General Chemistry II Laboratory
- Orientation Seminar: Summer Program in Sustainable Resource Management
- Introduction To Economics
- Natural Resources Ecology
- Forest Ecology
- Principles of Management/Environmental Professionals
- Major Concepts of Physics I
Upper Division Required Courses
- Dendrology I
- Introduction/Geospatial Information Technology
- Adirondack Field Studies
- Tree Structure and Function
- Natural Resources Measurements & Sampling
- Forest Biometrics
- Silviculture
- Introduction to Soils
- Natural Resources Policy
- Capstone Research in First Ecosystem Science
- Capstone Synthesis in Forest Ecosystem Stewardship
Elective Courses
- Directed Electives: Biophysical Science
- Directed Electives: Management and Human Dimensions
- Free Electives
- General Education Course in one of the following categories:
- US History & Civic Engagement
- The Arts
- World History and Global Awareness
- World Languages
- US History & Civic Engagement
- The Arts
- World History and Global Awareness
- World Languages
- General Education Course in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice
Students should consult with their advisors and read the Sustainable Resources Management Handbook for lists of courses that can be elected to meet degree requirements.
ESF is consistently ranked highly for its outstanding academics, unwavering commitment to sustainability, global impact, affordability, and more. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to providing the best experience and outcomes for our students.
Number 1
- #1: Most Affordable School for Women in STEM | study
- #1: Sustainability Curriculum | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #1: Sustainable Investments and Finance | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
Top 5
- #2: Green Matters: Everyone Cares About Conservation | The Princeton Review
- #2: Zero Waste Campus | Post Landfill Action Network
- #3: Sustainability Research | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #4: Public Engagement | Sustainable Campus Index, AASHE
- #4: Top Green College | The Princeton Review
A degree in Forest Ecosystem Science leads to a variety of employment opportunities in the natural and biological sciences, including field and laboratory positions, as well as environmental consulting, forestry, and related fields. Alumni work for state and federal agencies, nonprofits, and private industries. Graduates are also well prepared to enter graduate programs in ecology and related fields.